1. ….A Different Way Leaving Certificate Applied

2. Subjects Career Preparation & Guidance English & Communications Mathematical Applications Hotel, Catering and Tourism Information Communication Technology (IT) Art and Music Social Education Languages – Gaeilge & German/Spanish/French Leisure & Recreation

3. Work Experience A very important aspect of the programme is the work experience modules. Students complete four work experience placements Each student attends work experience one day every week which gives students the knowledge and experience of the working world Also provides them with an understanding of what they need to achieve throughout their course to excel to their chosen career.

4. Three Areas of Assessment (90% Attendance & Punctuality in each subject is mandatory) Satisfactory completion of modules/ assignments within each subject 62 credits (31%) 7 Student Tasks 70 credits (35%) Final Examinations 68 credits (34%) Total 200 credit (100%)

5. Grading Certificate awarded at three levels: Pass60-69 %(120 - 139 credits) Merit70-84 %(140 - 169 credits) Distinction 85-100 %(170 - 200 credits)

6. Final Exam Subjects English and Communication (Written and Oral) Hotel, Catering and Tourism and IT Mathematical Applications Language (Gaeilge & Modern European Languages) (Written and Oral) Social Education

7. Tasks Area practical activity by which learning is applied to –The development of a product –The investigation of an issue –The provision of a service –The staging of an event The tasks are run across different curriculums and are presented to a state examinations examiner through an interview process.

8. How LCA helped me “ I just feel with LCA you get better one on one teaching” “it was my foundation and helped me become what I am today ” I really loved the 4 sessions of work experience “It taught me about hidden skills and talents I had and it set me on the right career path ” “You also get to learn more about your self and what you’re capable of doing.” “I think it matures you a bit more and it really prepares you for when you leave school”

9. I decided to do LCA because I felt it would help me learn more about life today. I wanted to do LCA because it was a more active course and was very different from the Traditional Leaving Certificate. I felt that there were more opportunities in LCA for me and I liked the idea of continual assessment. What I liked about it was the fact that you got credits as you went along and I liked doing the tasks and assignments I chose to do LCA because I enjoyed doing project work and independent research. I loved the idea of doing projects and assignments in LCA so that’s why I chose to do it. I had heard that LCA was mainly based on continuous assessment. That was very appealing to me Why I chose LCA

10. LCVP Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme

11. Is an extra 8 th subject students can take for their Leaving Certificate Students need certain subject options in order to qualify All 5 th Years take the subject as qualifying subjects can change each year LCVP

12. Assessment of Links For the Link Modules they are assessed by Written Examination (40%) Portfolio of Coursework – (60%) – which is completed over the two years.

13. COURSE OUTLINE The course is divided into two sections 1.Preparation for the World of Work 2.Enterprise Education

14. Link Module I – Preparation for the World of Work Students will research and investigate local employment opportunities Develop job seeking skills such as letter writing, CV presentation Interview techniques Gain valuable practical experience of the world of work through a week of work experience Interview and work shadow a person in a career area that interests them

15. Link Module II – Enterprise Education Students will be involved in organising visits to local business and community enterprises Meet and interview enterprising people on site and in the classroom Plan and undertake interesting activities that will build self–confidence, creativity, initiative and develop teamwork, communication and computer skills.

16. LINK MODULES - PORTFOLIO OF COURSEWORK 60% Students assemble the portfolio over the two years of the programme CORE ITEMS -Curriculum Vitae -Career Investigation -Enterprise/Action Plan -Summary Report OPTIONAL ITEMS (any two) -Diary of Work Experience -Enterprise Report -Recorded Interview/Presentation -Report on My Own Place

17. Certification Grades for the Link Modules are as follows: GradePer cent Distinction80% – 100% Merit65% – 79% Pass50% – 64%

18. Leaving Certificate Points HigherOrdinary GradePointsGradePointsLCVP H1100 H288 H377 H466 Distinction H556 O156 H646 O246Merit H737 O337 H80 O428Pass O520 O612 O70 O80

19. Why I chose LCVP “ I loved working as part of a team for Market Day.” “It has helped me decide on my future career ” I really loved the week of work experience “It taught me about my skills and qualities and helped me make college decisions ” I was able To use my points from my distinction To get into my course” “ We got to investigate different companies and get entrepreneurs in which I really enjoyed.